The Best Thing
The sermon emphasizes the importance of rejoicing in all circumstances, even in difficult ones, by trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty.
Mary Wilder Tileston, through the words of John Moultrie and Priscilla Maurice, emphasizes the importance of rejoicing in the Lord always, even in the midst of trials, suffering, and loneliness. She highlights the challenging duty of giving thanks for all things, including pain and contradictions, but assures that those who have learned submission will find it easier as they trust in God's perfect will. Tileston encourages believers to have faith that God, the God of love, will work all things together for their good, even when circumstances seem difficult or unclear.
Text
Rejoice in the Lord alway; and again I say, Rejoice.
PHILIPPIANS 4:4
REJOICE in hope and fear;
Rejoice in life and death;
Rejoice when threatening storms are near,
And comfort languisheth:
When should not they rejoice
Whom Christ His brethren calls,--
Who hear and know His guiding voice
When on their hearts it falls?
JOHN MOULTRIE
TO "give thanks to Him for all things," is, indeed, a very difficult duty; for it includes giving thanks for trials of all kinds; for suffering and pain; for languor and weariness; for the crossing of our wills; for contradiction; for reproaches; for loneliness; for privations. Yet they who have learned submission will not find it a hard duty; for they will so entirely love all that God wills and appoints, that they will see it is the very best thing for them. Hereafter they will see all the links of the chain, and how wonderfully even those have fitted, which at the time seemed to have no adaptation or agreement. This belief enables them to praise Him, and give thanks now for each thing, assured that as it has been, so it will be--that the God of love will do all things well.
PRISCILLA MAURICE
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Rejoicing
- The Difficulty of Giving Thanks
- The Power of Submission
- The Result of Submission
- Praising God and giving thanks
- Trusting in God's goodness
Key Quotes
“Rejoice in the Lord alway; and again I say, Rejoice.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“When should not they rejoice whom Christ His brethren calls,--who hear and know His guiding voice when on their hearts it falls?” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“This belief enables them to praise Him, and give thanks now for each thing, assured that as it has been, so it will be--that the God of love will do all things well.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
Application Points
- You can rejoice in difficult circumstances by trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty.
- Developing a heart of submission can help you see the value in your trials and give thanks for them.
- Praising God and giving thanks is the result of submitting to His will and trusting in His goodness.